Reply to My aunt started working as a maid at the Watergate after graduating HS & bought a home in Arlington

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Reply to "My aunt started working as a maid at the Watergate after graduating HS & bought a home in Arlington"

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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]People forget that, back in those days, people had MUCH more modest homes. Heated by a wood-burning stove, one bathroom. Many people lived in mobile homes or other cheaper prefab construction. You can still afford a modest home on a maid's salary in the DC metro. [/quote]

I think part of the point is that OP’s aunt bought in an area that was a relatively easy commute with good schools and a pleasant neighborhood feel (Arlington wasn’t as wealthy in the 70s/80s, nor as dense, but it was still considered desirable— probably more expensive than most places EOTP in DC in those days).

For many buyers, the problem isn’t wanting a huge house or a luxurious house, it’s wanting a home near good schools and a commute that won’t ruin your family life. That is increasingly impossible to find on a working class salary.[/quote]

It's important to disassemble the components of this. Land is much, much expensive (at least in this area). Working class wages are much, much lower relative to professional or capital incomes. Materials are probably cheaper now, during the late sixties and early seventies copper, for example, was very, very dear.  [/quote]

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